An architectural illustration of the Howley Family Immersive Learning Center.
Drexel University
Drexel University has secured the most substantial philanthropic contribution in its history: $112.6 million designated to broaden the engineering and computing facilities and programs at the Philadelphia-based institution.
This donation, provided by the Howley Foundation—a philanthropic nonprofit overseen by alumnus and trustee Nick Howley; his wife, Lorie; and their daughter, Meg, who is also a Drexel graduate—will aid in founding the Nick Howley College of Engineering and Computing. Approximately $36 million of the pledged funds will be allocated to develop 55,000 square feet of classrooms, laboratories, and collaborative learning environments within existing Drexel structures. The renovated space, designated as the Howley Family Immersive Learning Center, will feature a robotics facility, a flight simulator, a jet engine lab, a soil and concrete analysis lab, along with laboratories for chemical engineering, materials science, and cell and gene therapy instruction.
Additionally, the foundation's donation will facilitate the conversion of a separate 10,000-square-foot space into a maker area that will highlight the projects of engineering and computing students, ranging from rockets to steel bridges. This venue will be named the Walter N. Howley Jr. Innovation Garage, in tribute to Nick’s father.
The remaining $76 million will fund the Howley College Scholars program, strengthening scholarships and recruitment initiatives for deserving students from low-income backgrounds, mainly from Philadelphia and Cleveland.
“This investment is a strong endorsement of Drexel’s excellence and leadership in areas where innovation and influence are closely connected,” university president Antonio Merlo stated. “It will not only generate enthusiasm and a fresh appearance for our campus, but it will also provide countless students with access to cutting-edge facilities and set them on a path toward a transformative educational journey at Drexel.”